Jamie Maclaren chasing most-ever A-League goals – but first the Socceroos squad for the World Cup

He only just snuck into the Socceroos roster in 2018 thanks to a late strike on the final roster, but A-League star Jamie Maclaren is quietly confident of being part of Qatar 2022.

The 29-year-old Melbourne City striker has scored three goals from the first two games of the new season, but a fourth consecutive golden boot in the A-League is a goal he’s happy to put on the back burner as the World Cup approaches.

It could be a memorable year for McLaren, who could not only take another golden boot and a World Cup place, but also approach the top spot in the A-League’s all-time scoring list.

His current tally is 123, well within striking distance of Besart Berisha’s record 142 goals during his spells with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Western United.

“If I was being selfish, I’d think of Berisha’s record. You must have a lot of respect for him,’ Maclaren said.

“A man who was an absolute machine and 19 goals behind him – not that I count – is a nice feeling.”

Maclaren, who previously played for Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar, will not catch former Socceroos legend Damian Mori, who scored 240 goals between the old National Soccer League and A-League.

Ex-Melbourne Victory striker Besart Berisha, currently holds the all-time A-League goalscoring record…but Maclaren isn’t far behind

But the City forward is just happy to be mentioned in the same breath as Mori, Bobby Despotovski, Rod Brown and John Kosmina.

“These names are huge in Australian football and it’s an honor to even think my name is somewhere close,” he said.

However, before setting Berisha’s record, he wants to reserve a seat on the plane to Qatar.

Maclaren scored seven goals for Australia in the qualifying stage of the World Cup, and also scored a vital penalty in the Socceroos’ heart-wrenching victory over Peru that secured qualification.

So you would think he is almost certain to get his hands on a green and gold jersey, currently on 18 caps and six goals for Australia.

It’s been a long journey as Socceroo for 18-cap Jamie Maclaren, who hopes his strong A-League form has secured him a ticket to Qatar for the World Cup

But after missing out on then-coach Bert van Marwijk’s original roster for the 2018 World Cup before being added to the last-23 at the last minute, the veteran is understandably wary.

“Last World Cup – you could write a book in my case,” he said of his trip to the 2018 tournament in Russia.

“But it’s part of the journey, as a footballer you go through ups and downs and that was the best feeling ever to be selected in that last squad because of what I’ve been through.

“I have felt more valued in this Socceroos environment under Graham Arnold for giving me those opportunities.

“I think I and Harry Souttar scored the most goals in qualifying and I’m proud of that.

“Not every game I’m going to start, I understand, but when I play I have to make an impact,” Maclaren said.

Jamie Maclaren celebrates after scoring a goal for Melbourne City in their first round win over Western United

Maclaren has seen many setbacks in his performance and takes a fatalistic approach to his World Cup dreams.

‘It’s been a long journey. Four years of qualifying, you do the quarantines, I was in a hotel when my team played in a grand final (in 2020-21),’ he said.

“All those things add up and we’re now at the last point. All I can do is control and be in the penalty area for the opportunities that come my way and if Arnie selects me then that’s great.”

Maclaren hopes to continue his and the club’s good form as they take the win on Saturday night in what will be a blockbuster Melbourne derby.